- Article
- February 4, 2025
Expert advice on choosing headphones: big speakers do not necessarily mean good sound quality

In today’s world, headphones are one of the most common technological devices, with features that are constantly being developed to provide ever better sound quality and comfort. There is such a wide range of headphones available today that choosing the right one for your specific needs can be a challenge.
Andrius Miltakis, Brand development manager at ACC Distribution, believes that choosing headphones can be made much simpler by taking the time to learn about the features of the devices that can provide the best experience for your specific needs. “Naturally, a PC gaming enthusiast and an active athlete will choose very different headphones. For some it is about sound quality, for others it is about comfort or fast charging. There are also buyers who choose headphones based on style, so there is always more than one criterion,” says A. Miltakis, who shares the latest trends in the headphone market and tips on what to look for when buying headphones.
Andrius Miltakis, Brand development manager at ACC Distribution
Era of the wireless headphones
The specialist notes that the last five years have witnessed rapid growth in the wireless headset market. “This change is mainly driven by the latest technological developments, such as the introduction of TWS (totally wireless headphones) models and the advancement of ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology. These improvements have not only improved sound quality, but have also responded to consumers’ daily needs – the relocation of workplaces to the home during a pandemic, the increasing popularity of podcasts and e-books, and improvements to smartwatches so that you can listen to your music without using your phone while exercising,” says A. Miltakis about the changes.
In Lithuania, the market for wireless headphones grew particularly fast during the pandemic (2020–2022), with a 31% year-on-year growth in market value and 21% growth in sales volume, peaking in 2022. “The market has now stabilized, and we do not see such a big spike in sales anymore, but we have also noticed that more and more customers are opting for over-ear headphones instead of fully wireless headphones (TWS). This can be mainly influenced by comfort and functionality,” says the technology expert on the changes in consumer habits.
According to BRC research, by 2024, the majority of headphones sold in Lithuania are cheaper than €100, accounting for 69% of all headphones sold. However, in monetary terms, these sales represent only 33% of the total market volume. Products between €100 and €200 are the second most popular choice for consumers, with demand for headphones in this price segment growing fastest in 2024.
Last year, more than 350 different brands of headphones were sold in Lithuania. The most popular being Apple, Beats by Dr. Dre, Huawei, Jabra, JBL, Xiaomi, Philips, Samsung, Sennheiser and Sony. “There is a huge range of headphones to choose from, with more than 2,300 different models. Therefore, different features and technical characteristics must be considered when choosing the best headphones for your personal needs,” emphasizes A. Miltakis.
Combining quality and versatility: one device for different needs
Brand development manager of ACC Distribution notes that buyers currently value solutions that allow the headphones to be used in different situations. According to the State of Sound 2023 research report, 68% of consumers would choose a single headset to use for a variety of activities, such as listening to music, playing games, working, sports activities. According to the expert, these statistics underline the need for versatility, hence A. Miltakis identifies the key features to look for once choosing a versatile model:
- “Multipoint” function – this solution allows you to connect your headset to multiple devices simultaneously and change the active device without additional clicks or toggles. This feature ensures smooth working both at home and in public spaces, as you can easily switch from listening to music or talking on your phone to a work call on your PC. To use this feature, you need to look for models that support Bluetooth multipoint.
- One of the latest technological solutions is Auracast – a Bluetooth feature that allows you to stream audio to an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. This allows you to connect to public audio broadcasts (at airports, museums, or events) without complicated setup.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is essential for working in noisy environments. This technology helps to create a calmer environment, thus increasing productivity. It is also important for those who want to get away from ambient noise on planes or trains. Also, if you work in noisy environments and often participate in virtual meetings, it is recommended to choose a headset with multiple microphones (4 or more).
- Headphones with Low Latency Mode ensure seamless synchronization between audio and video, so you can enjoy your favorite games and movies without any noticeable sound delays.
- For those who use headphones not only for work and everyday use, but also for sports, it is recommended to choose devices with a water and sweat resistant design (e.g., IPX4 or higher), which ensure reliability and a secure fit in the ears during intense activity.
- Fast Charging, which allows you to recharge your headphones in minutes for an extra few hours of use, is especially useful for those who travel a lot or who work in public spaces and don’t always have the option of charging the headphones for a long time when needed.
These features are especially important when the same headset is used in different situations: at work, when traveling, during sports activities or gaming.
For the perfect music sound: from 3D sound to individual settings
According to the survey mentioned above, the top priority for buyers when choosing headphones is to get the best sound quality. This was the response of 73% of respondents. “Naturally, as technological solutions evolve, so do consumer demand for sound quality. After all, no one would choose headphones that jangle or crackle. Now the expectation is no longer for ‘pure’ sound, but for the smallest nuances that create unique experience,” says A. Miltakis about the growing demands of customers, and highlights the latest solutions that help to create a unique music listening experience:
- High-definition audio quality support. For the best sound quality, you should look for headphones with the following advanced technologies: aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LC3 or AAC (iOS only), which provide deeper and wider sound.
- Wide frequency range. The standard frequency range of the headphones is between 20Hz and 20kHz, but with the Extended Sound function, this range can extend from around 6Hz to 40kHz. Although in practice, a person cannot hear all these threshold frequencies. This wide bandwidth support contributes to a richer and more detailed sound quality, bringing more colors and clarity to music.
- Personalized solutions. Many headphones offer the ability to customize the sound to the user’s needs via a mobile app. This means you can tailor the sound of your music to your taste – for example, by boosting the bass or emphasizing the treble.
- Spatial Audio and 3D sound. This is a relatively new but increasingly popular feature that significantly improves the listening experience. It creates a surround sound effect that makes you feel as if the sound is coming from all directions, as if you were in a concert hall or at the center of the action. This solution is ideal for films, where the sound moves with action, or for games, where it is important to hear the environment accurately (e.g., footsteps or the direction of shots).
- Speakers’ quality. One of the most popular myths is that bigger speakers in headphones mean better sound quality. On the one hand, a larger speaker has more potential, especially in the low frequencies, but at the same time it can have more distortion. So, the sound quality depends more on the type, design, and compatibility of the speakers with the many components in the headphones than on speakers’ size.
When choosing headphones, where sound quality is the most important criterion, it is worth checking the manufacturers’ reputation, previous models, and customer reviews to ensure that you find the right solution for quality sound experience.
Increasing focus on comfort and style
Once talking about the features of headphones, A. Miltakis also points out that buyers are increasingly focusing not only on the technical features of the device, but also on comfort. “Often headphones are used even during the entire day, because they are used in public spaces, in offices where there are large open spaces with many employees in them. So, headphones are used not only for conversations, but also for distancing yourself from environmental disturbances and for concentration. When we spend as much as 4–6 hours a day with headphones on, it is really important that they are comfortable and almost imperceptible,” says the expert.
He identifies several features that should be considered to ensure comfort:
- Ergonomic design. Once choosing wireless headphones, it is important to make sure that the silicone backs of the in-ear headphones are adjustable (different sizes available). Talking about the over-ear headphones, you should choose padded ear cushions that snuggle around the ear. The adjustable headband also provides extra comfort, ensuring even distribution of head pressure.
- Weights and materials. To feel comfortable, it is essential to choose headphones that are made of lightweight but sturdy materials. If you plan to use the headphones for several hours without taking them off (e.g., for work, games, movies), it is recommended to choose headphones weighing no more than 300-350 grams. Headphones weighing more than 400 grams tend to have exceptional technical performance but are often chosen only by professionals that are looking for a high quality of performance (e.g., sound engineers) while the weight of the headphones may appear to be a bit heavy.
While the ergonomic features of a headset should be important to every buyer, A. Miltakis notes that some people choose a device based on its design. “Neutral colors such as black, white or grey are classic choices that suit a wide range of situations and styles. However, those who like to stand out can choose headphones in bright colors such as yellow, red, or blue to emphasize their individuality. For even more uniqueness, some manufacturers offer headphones with exclusive design elements such as graphics or textures. There are also headphones that feature RGB or LED lighting for a futuristic look, which is particularly popular among PC gaming enthusiasts. Minimalist models with subtlety and elegance are perfect for a professional or business look,” says the specialist about the different design choices that complement the listening experience.
A.Miltakis also advises that in order to choose the most suitable model, it is worth to try out the headphones at the point of sale (to assess comfort) and to take time on evaluation of the different characteristics and user reviews analysis: “All of this will help ensure that the headphones you choose meet your needs and expectations. And do not forget to check the long-term quality of the product and the after-sales service options to make sure your headphones last as long as possible.”